Life Insurance for Smokers | Money Saving Advisors
Find life insurance options for smokers and learn how smoking affects premiums and coverage.
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Still smoking? Still protected
If you smoke, you might think life insurance is off limits. But good news - it's not. While smokers do pay more for cover, there are still affordable options out there. Whether you smoke every day or just now and then, understanding your choices could help protect your loved ones in the future.
How smoking affects your policy
When applying for life insurance, insurers always ask if you're a smoker - and that includes vapes, cigars, even nicotine patches. Here's what you should know:
- You'll usually pay higher premiums
Smokers can pay around twice as much as non-smokers. Why? Because insurers see smoking as a higher risk with a potentially shorter life expectancy. - Honesty is crucial
If you lie about smoking on your application, your policy could be void just when your family needs it. Most insurers define a smoker as anyone who's used nicotine in the last 12 months - even if you only smoke socially or vape now and then.
Lighting up your options
You might think there are fewer policies to choose from as a smoker, but they're broadly the same. Here's a breakdown of the main types of cover you can get:
- Level term life insurance
- Pays out a fixed lump sum if you pass away during a set term. Ideal for covering your mortgage or supporting family.
- Decreasing term life insurance
- This type of cover reduces in value over time - usually alongside your repayment mortgage. It's typically cheaper than level term, which can be attractive for smokers on a budget.
- Whole-of-life insurance
- Guarantees a payout whenever you die, as long as you keep paying your premiums. Typically more expensive, but great for leaving something behind, helping your family, or covering funeral costs.
- Critical illness cover
- This pays out a tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness like lung cancer, stroke, or heart disease. You can take it as a standalone policy or bolt it onto life insurance.
Summing up
Being a smoker doesn't disqualify you from getting life insurance - far from it. Your premiums will usually be higher, but there are still many providers willing to work with you, especially if you're otherwise healthy.
Ready to find a smokers' life insurance policy?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I vape but don’t smoke cigarettes?
Yes, but most insurers still class you as a smoker if your e-cigarette contains nicotine. Even nicotine-free vaping might raise red flags, depending on the insurer. If you're using vaping to quit smoking, some insurers may offer better rates if you've been nicotine-free for 12 months.
Will my life insurance get cheaper if I quit smoking?
Usually, yes. Once you stop smoking for 12 months (no cigarettes, vapes, or nicotine gum), you can apply to be reclassified as a non-smoker. This can dramatically lower your premiums. You may need to provide proof - such as a doctor's note or even a nicotine test - depending on your insurer.
What if I only smoke socially or a few times a year?
Most insurers define a smoker as anyone who's used nicotine within the last 12 months, regardless of how often. Even the odd cigarette or cigar puts you in the smoker category. While it might feel unfair, being honest is essential to avoid making your policy invalid in the future.
How much more do smokers pay compared to non-smokers?
On average, smokers pay about 50% to 100% more for the same cover. For example, a 35-year-old non-smoker might pay £15 a month for £200,000 of cover over 20 years - but a smoker of the same age could pay £25–£30. Remember that even occasional smoking affects life insurance premiums, and the difference will increase with age and other health conditions.
Can insurers check if I'm a smoker?
Yes. While not every policy involves a medical check, life insurance companies can ask for medical records or run nicotine tests - especially for large cover amounts. If they find a discrepancy between your declared smoking status and your actual habits, they could reject your claim. That's why honesty is always the best policy.
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